Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a comforting dish that blends hearty beans with savory ham and fresh vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or a warming family dinner, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also allows the slow cooker to work its magic, filling your home with delightful aromas while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Recipe
This Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup recipe is a go-to favorite because it is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The beans provide a creamy base, while the ham adds a deliciously rich taste. It’s an affordable option, using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Furthermore, cooking it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, giving you the freedom to enjoy your day without worrying about constant monitoring. The result is a deliciously hearty and nutritious soup that the whole family will love.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
- 1 pound dried great northern beans (soaked in water overnight)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage (or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups cooked ham (diced)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (sliced)
- 1 ham bone (optional)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for optional garnish)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup Directions
To start making your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup, you need to prepare your beans. Drain the soaked beans and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities. After that, place the rinsed beans in your slow cooker. Next, add the diced ham directly into the pot to infuse the soup with its delicious flavor.
Now it’s time to add your vegetables. Toss in the sliced carrots, diced onion, and celery to bring a satisfying texture and sweetness to the soup. Pour 8 cups of chicken broth over the beans, ham, and veggies, ensuring everything is well-covered. This broth serves as the essential liquid for cooking, enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
To season your soup, add the Dijon mustard and garlic powder, giving it a robust flavor profile. Toss in a bay leaf and rubbed sage for that beautiful herbaceous touch. Gently stir everything to combine the ingredients evenly. If you have a ham bone on hand, place it in the middle of your soup mixture. It adds even more flavor and a bit of heartiness.
Once all ingredients are in the pot, cover it with the lid and set your slow cooker to cook. If you can take your time, cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. If you need it ready faster, go for high heat and let it cook for 4 to 5 hours. As it cooks, the beans will soften, and the flavors meld together beautifully.
Once your cooking time is complete, you will want to remove the ham bone if you used one. Allow it to cool on a plate while you prepare the remaining ingredients. If there is any meat left on the bone, feel free to return it to the soup for added texture and flavor. Finally, taste your soup for seasoning and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. Stir it well and serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Serving your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is as enjoyable as making it! Once your soup has finished cooking, ladle it into bowls while it’s still hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or buttery rolls, making it a complete meal. A simple side salad can also complement this dish beautifully—adding freshness and crunch. If you have any leftover ham or vegetables, consider mixing those in for a bountiful serving.
For a touch of brightness, finish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, which not only enhances the presentation but also adds a mild flavor and aroma. Enjoy this soup solo or share it with family and friends around the dinner table. The warmth and richness of this dish make it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
To ensure that your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is a hit, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, soaking the great northern beans overnight is essential—it helps them cook evenly and reduces the cooking time. If you forget to soak them, you can use the quick soak method: boil the beans in water for 2 minutes, then let them sit off the heat for one hour.
Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can even enhance the broth by adding a few crushed garlic cloves or additional herbs. Make sure to dice your vegetables uniformly for even cooking. This ensures that every spoonful contains the delightful balance of flavors.
If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper to the mixture for a bit of heat. Remember, you can always taste and adjust the seasonings once the soup is cooked. After removing the ham bone, feel free to mash some of the beans against the sides of the slow cooker for a creamier texture. This will add depth to the overall consistency of the soup.
How to Store Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Storing your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is quite simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. This will keep your soup fresh and prevent any strong odors in your fridge. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it a great meal prep option for the week.
If you have more soup than you can eat in a week, you can freeze the soup for later. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a saucepan or the microwave before serving.
Variation of Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
There are plenty of ways to customize your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup to suit your taste. First, consider changing the beans. While great northern beans are perfect, other varieties such as navy beans or cannellini beans can also work beautifully. Each type of bean brings its own unique texture and flavor to the soup.
Feel free to add other vegetables, too! Potatoes can add heartiness, while spinach or kale can provide a nutritional boost and vibrant color. For a twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce right before serving for that extra zing.
If you’re looking to make the soup even more filling, you can serve it over cooked rice or quinoa. This adds another texture and elevates the heartiness of your meal. Don’t hesitate to play with spices and seasonings, either. Experimenting with herbs such as thyme or rosemary can breathe new life into this timeless dish.
FAQ
What is the best way to cook Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup?
The best way to cook Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is by soaking the beans overnight and allowing the slow cooker to do the work. By setting it to low for 8 to 10 hours, you ensure the beans cook perfectly, and the flavors meld beautifully.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans instead of dried ones. However, if you opt for canned beans, reduce the cooking time since they’re already cooked. Simply add them in the last hour, allowing them to warm through.
What should I serve with Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup?
You can serve your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup with crusty bread, rice, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. It pairs wonderfully with any of these options!
Can I make Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian or vegan by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You may also want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavors.
How do I know when Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is done?
Your Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup is done when the beans are tender, and the flavors have melded together. Taste the soup for seasoning and adjust if necessary before serving.
Slow Cooker Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients
Beans and Broth
- 1 pound dried great northern beans soaked in water overnight
- 8 cups chicken broth high-quality recommended
Vegetables
- 2 carrots carrots peeled and sliced
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
Ham and Seasonings
- 2 cups cooked ham diced
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage or ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- salt Salt to taste
- black pepper Black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 ham bone ham bone optional
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Drain the soaked beans and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove any impurities.
- Place the rinsed beans in your slow cooker.
- Add the diced ham directly into the pot.
Adding Vegetables
- Add sliced carrots, diced onion, and sliced celery to the slow cooker.
- Pour 8 cups of chicken broth over the beans, ham, and veggies, ensuring everything is well-covered.
Seasoning and Cooking
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, bay leaf, and rubbed sage to the pot.
- Stir everything to combine evenly.
- If using, place the ham bone in the mixture.
- Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours.
Final Touches
- Once cooking time is complete, remove the ham bone if used.
- Taste the soup for seasoning, adding salt and black pepper as desired.
- Stir well and serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
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